Daryl Mitchell’s eye-grabbing catch results in Root’s wicket (Photo Source – Twitter / X)
In the second Test between England and New Zealand at Wellington, Daryl Mitchell produced a brilliant one-handed stunner that sent Joe Root back to the pavilion, putting the visitors in early trouble. England were coming into the contest with an eight-wicket win in the Christchurch Test.
The game began with the Kiwis winning the toss and electing to field first. The dismissal of Joe Root in the 11th over was a crucial moment that gave the hosts early momentum in the game.
Root, who has been in a rough time in his career recently following a brilliant double century against Pakistan, was attempting to steady the ship after England lost both openers to the new ball. Facing Nathan Smith, Root edged a back-of-the-length delivery that was looking to slip through the slip cordon.
Mitchell, positioned at first slip, showed impressive reflexes with the ball, traveling quickly past him. In a split second, Mitchell dove full length to his right, extending his right hand to pluck a catch. Root walked back after adding just three runs to the tally, with the scorecard reading 26/3.
Here’s the video of Mitchell’s take:
What a catch this was from Daryl Mitchell 👏
New Zealand with another wicket over England 📈
📺 Watch #NZvENG with TNT Sports and discovery+ pic.twitter.com/ZEOUPbZnPE
— Cricket on TNT Sports (@cricketontnt) December 5, 2024
Also Read: NZ vs ENG: Harry Brook brings eighth Test ton in Wellington
Harry Brook and Ollie Pope would later rescue England with a 174-run partnership, with the former scoring a 115-ball 123, lacing his innings with 11 boundaries and five sixes. Pope, on the other hand, scored 66 as England were bundled out for 280. In reply, the Three Lions have already picked five wickets from the Kiwi batting line-up and are in a comfortable position after the first days of play. New Zealand’s score, of 86/5, sees them trail by 194 runs.
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